Amos Fortune began life as At-mun, prince of the At-mun-shi tribe in Africa, but at fifteen he was captured and sold into slavery. After surviving the voyage to America, Amos was purchased by a Quaker family living in Boston in 1725. He learned to read and help the family, always hoping for his freedom, but Caleb Copeland died before freeing Amos as he promised. At the age of sixty, Amos finally bought his own freedom. He spent the rest of his life working to help others find freedom.
This Newberry Medal book is an excellent biography of an amazing man. Elizabeth Yates tells Amos's story at a pace and level appropriate for elementary readers. At the same time, she includes history and culture that can be of interest to all ages. Amos Fortune, Free Man teaches the importance of freedom, but Amos's life story is free of the harsher sides of slavery.
Recommended ages--10 and up